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Plan Your Visit to the Floating Markets in Bangkok

The Floating Markets of Bangkok are a lively blend of tradition and commerce, where boats filled with fresh produce, street food, and handcrafted goods glide along scenic canals. This guide will help you through what to see, eat, and do, helping you plan the perfect visit to these iconic markets.

Floating Markets at a Glance

What are the Floating Markets' opening hours? 

  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is open from 7 AM to 5 PM. 
  • Maeklong Railway Market is open daily from around 6 AM to 5 PM.
  • Amphawa Floating Market operates from 2 PM to 9 PM on Friday to Sunday. The market is closed from Monday to Thursday. 

Where are the Floating Markets located? 

  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located in Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand. 
  • Maeklong Railway Market is located at Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram, Samut Songkhram, Thailand, 75000. 
  • Amphawa Floating Market is located at Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand.

How many visitors do the Floating Markets get per year?

  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market draws approximately 1-2 million visitors annually. 
  • Maeklong Railway Market attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. 
  • Amphawa Floating Market sees around 1 million visitors yearly.

What are the Floating Market Opening Hours?

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Opening hours:  Open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM.

Closed on: There are no official closures but it is less active on public holidays and during the monsoon season (July to September).

Maeklong Railway Market

Opening hours: Open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM.

Closed on: Open throughout the year, including public holidays and weekends.

Amphawa Floating Market

Opening hours: Open from 2 PM to 9 PM between Friday and Sunday.

Closed on: Mondays to Thursdays throughout the year.

Best time to visit the Floating Markets

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 

The best time to visit Damnoen Saduak is in the morning, ideally between 7 am and 9 am. At this time, the market sees fewer crowds and is at its liveliest. Vendors start their day early, and the cooler morning weather makes it more enjoyable for sightseeing.

The best time to visit in terms of weather is during the cool, dry season from November to February. During this time, the temperature is more bearable, and the market is bustling with activity.

Maeklong Railway Market 

The Maeklong Railway Market is best visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Arriving by 8 am gives you a chance to see the morning train passing through (at 8:30 AM). If you prefer a quieter visit, visiting around 4 pm is a great option.

Trains pass through the market each day at 8:30 am, 9 am, 11:15 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5:40 pm and you can plan your visit around these times too.

The cool season (November to February) offers the best weather, making it more comfortable to explore. The rainy season (May to October) might limit some outdoor activities, but it's still worth visiting for a quieter, more local experience.

Amphawa Floating Market

Amphawa Floating Market is at its best in the late afternoon and evening, especially from 4 pm to 7 pm. Visiting in the evening also allows you to catch a beautiful sunset over the canal. Since the market is only open on weekends, it tends to be very popular, particularly in the evening. Arriving early (around 2 pm) will give you a chance to avoid the later crowds.

Where are the Floating Markets located?

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Address: Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi, 70130, Thailand.

Location: The market is located in the Ratchaburi Province, about a 1.5-hour drive southwest of Bangkok.

Closest landmarks: Popular landmarks include the Maeklong Railway and the Tha Kha Floating Market. The Damnoen Saduak Canal is also close to the floating market and is famous for its picturesque boat rides.

Maeklong Railway Market

Address: Mae Klong, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram, Samut Songkhram, Thailand, 75000.

Location: Located in the town of Maeklong in Samut Songkhram Province, this market sits next to an active railway track, about an hour and a half’s drive from Bangkok.

Closest landmarks: Popular landmarks include Wat Bang Kung, an ancient Buddhist temple built in the Ayutthaya period, Bangnoi Floating Market, and King Rama II Memorial Park.

Amphawa Floating Market

Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand.

Location: Amphawa Floating Market is situated along the Mae Klong River in Samut Songkhram Province, roughly 90 km southwest of Bangkok.

Closest landmarks: Famous landmarks near the Amphawa Floating Market include the Tham Khao Luang Caves, King Rama II Memorial Park, and Tha Kha Floating Market.

Getting to the Floating Markets

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

  • By bus: Guests can take bus nos. 79 and 511 (every 30 minutes) from the Khok Wua Intersection in Bangkok and get down at the Southern Bangkok Bus Terminal. From there, take a bus to Damnoen Saduak bus stop, which is 1.2 km away from the floating market. The total duration of the journey is roughly 3 hours. 
  • By car: Driving from Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market takes roughly 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. 
  • By taxi: Private taxis can be taken from Bangkok to reach the floating market. The duration of the journey is roughly 1.5 hours and can vary depending on traffic conditions. 
  • By private van: Guests can choose to hire private vans that can accommodate a minimum of 5 people from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The journey takes roughly 1.5 hours.

Maeklong Railway Market

  • By train: Take a train from Wongiyan Yai Station (runs every 30 minutes) in Bangkok to the Maha Chai Station in Samut Sakhon. From Samut Sakhon, take a minivan on line 481 (runs every 45 minutes) and Samut Songkhram, which is 1.2 km away from Maeklong Railway Market. The journey approximately takes 2.5 hours in total. 
  • By bus: Board bus no. 137 from CP Tower in Bangkok (runs every 30 minutes) and get down at the Electricity Authority bus stop in Bang Kho Laem. Take bus no. 127 (runs every 30 minutes) from there, get down at Samut Sakhon and take a minivan on line 481 to reach Samut Songkhram. The last stop is 1.2 km from the floating market and the total journey time is roughly 2.5 hours. 
  • By taxi: Private taxis can be hired from Bangkok to reach Maeklong Railway Market. The journey roughly takes a little over an hour. 
  • By car: Driving from Bangkok to Maeklong Railway Market can approximately take a little over an hour, depending on traffic.

Amphawa Floating Market

  • By train: Guests can take train no.169 from Bang Bamru station in Bangkok (runs once every day) and get down at the Park Tho station. From there, the Amphawa Floating Market is 18.9 km away and can be reached via taxi in 23 minutes.  
  • By bus: Board bus no. 127 (runs every 30 minutes) from the Wongwian Yai bus stop in Bangkok and get down at the Samut Sakhon stop. Take the minivan on line 481 and reach Samut Songkhram, which is 1.2 km from Maeklong Railway Market. Take a bus from the Railway Market (runs every 15 minutes) to reach Amphawa Floating Market, which is 15 minutes away. The overall journey takes roughly 3.5 hours.
  • By taxi: Taxis can be taken from Bangkok to the Amphawa Floating Market. The journey will take around 75 minutes, depending on traffic. 
  • By car: Guests can drive from Bangkok to Amphaway Floating Market and the journey will approximately take 75 minutes.

Know Before You Go

  • Restrooms 
  • Boats for rent
  • Parking spaces 
  • Souvenir shops
  • Local food and produce stalls 
  • Tourist information booths (Damnoen Saduak Floating Market)
  • Seating areas along the market (Maeklong Railway Market)
  • Benches for visitors (Amphawa Floating Market)
  • Wheelchair accessibility is limited at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It can also be difficult for guests with mobility issues to navigate the narrow and uneven alleys. However, they can explore parts of the market with assistance. 
  • Maeklong Railway Market’s accessibility for people with disabilities is limited, as the market has narrow spaces and uneven surfaces. The train stations nearby generally have stairs with no elevators or ramps, so accessibility is difficult for those with mobility impairments.
  • Amphawa Floating Market is relatively accessible for people with mobility impairments. While there are some narrow walkways, there are generally fewer crowds than at other floating markets, making it easier to move around. The boat tours available could also be difficult for people with physical disabilities, as they may need assistance boarding.
  • Guide dogs are welcome at all the floating markets.
  • Do not touch a product unless you plan to buy it. 
  • Avoid littering in the markets, use the provided trash cans. 
  • The area near the canal can get slippery, so be careful while walking there. 
  • Be mindful when taking photos – ask for permission before photographing residents and vendors. 
  • If you go on a boat ride, do not stand upright as it might upset the boat.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market:

  • Chokechai Steakhouse: A Thai-American fusion restaurant offering great steaks and local dishes.
  • Krua Damnoen Saduak: Known for serving local Thai cuisine with a view of the canal.

Maeklong Railway Market:

  • HiiiG Restaurant: A trendy spot serving a delicious fusion of Thai and international flavors, perfect for a casual dining experience. 
  • Baan Khun Tawee: A charming restaurant offering authentic Thai dishes with a homely touch, perfect for a relaxed meal.

Amphawa Floating Market:

  • Baan Amphawa Cafe: A cozy café serving local desserts and beverages.
  • Chalsamran: A quaint eatery known for its delicious Thai comfort food, offering hearty meals.
  • Saban-Nga Restaurant: A delightful spot serving traditional Thai cuisine with fresh ingredients, offering a cozy atmosphere and authentic flavors.
  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: 

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti: A hilltop temple with panoramic views of the Ratchaburi province, popular for its calm atmosphere.

Khao Ngu Stone Park: A natural park with stunning limestone mountain views and serene lake spots perfect for photography.

  • Maeklong Railway Market: 

Bang Kung Temple: A historical Buddhist temple famous for its overgrown banyan tree that has surrounded the temple and its idol.

King Rama II Memorial Park: A cultural park with exhibits on local history and the legacy of King Rama II.

  • Amphawa Floating Market: 

Wat Bang Kung: A temple famous for its ruins surrounded by large banyan trees, making for an interesting historical site.

Koh Kret: A peaceful island on the Chao Phraya River, known for its pottery workshops and relaxed atmosphere.

Visitor tips

  • The best time to visit these markets is early in the morning as the crowds are thinner and the weather is cooler. 
  • Go on the fireflies boat ride at Amphawa Market in the evenings to spot these glowing insects in the lush mangroves. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip as these markets require a fair amount of walking in slippery areas. 
  • Vendors at these markets are used to bargaining, but it’s always appreciated when you’re respectful. Learn a phrase or two in Thai to help your bargaining skills! 
  • Most vendors at the markets accept only cash so keep loose change handy. 
  • At the Maeklong Railway Market, make sure to stay away from the tracks when the trains are passing.
  • The markets are known for delicious street food made from fresh produce. Make sure to try the boat noodles, coconut ice cream, and mango sticky rice.
  • Looking for the perfect souvenir? Buy a traditional triangle-shaped hat to remind you of your Thailand adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting the Floating Markets

What is the best time to visit the floating markets?

Damnoen Saduak is best visited early morning (7 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler weather. Arrive around 10:30 AM at the Maeklong Railway Market: to catch the famous train passing through at 11 AM. The late afternoon (4 PM onwards) is ideal for visiting Amphawa Floating Market to experience the market’s vibrant atmosphere.

How do I reach the floating markets?

All three floating markets are accessible by bus, train, minivan, taxi, and car.

What are the operating hours of the floating markets?

Damnoen Saduak is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. Maeklong Railway Market is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. Amphawa is open from 2 PM to 8 PM from Fridays to Sundays.

Can I enter at any time during operating hours?

Yes, you can enter during their operating hours. However, it’s best to visit earlier to avoid the midday crowds, especially on weekends.

Are the floating markets accessible for people with disabilities?

While most markets are partially accessible, the narrow walkways can be challenging.

Can I visit the floating markets with children?

Yes, the markets are a great place for children to explore. You can take them on boat rides, buy them souvenirs, and introduce them to delicious street food and desserts.

How much cash should I carry while visiting the floating markets?

Carrying around THB 2,000 in small denominations like THB 20 and 50 will suffice. There are ATMs near the markets where cash can be withdrawn if needed.

Are there any entrance fees for the floating markets?

There are no entrance fees for the markets themselves. However, some attractions, like boat rides at Damnoen Saduak, may charge a fee.

What souvenirs can I buy at the floating markets?

All three markets offer a wide variety of souvenirs, including handmade crafts and local textiles. The most popular of them include handmade hats, traditional clothing, fridge magnets, elephant print pants, to name a few.

Are there any boat tours available at the Floating Markets?

Yes, at Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, you can take boat tours around the canals, which are a popular way to explore the market and see the local sights. Go on a firefly boat ride at the Amphawa Floating Market where you ride among the glowing insects in mangroves.

What are popular local dishes I can try at the Floating Markets?

All three markets offer a wide range of local Thai dishes like boat noodles, pad thai, grilled seafood, and coconut ice cream, making it a foodie’s paradise.

Are the Floating Markets crowded?

Yes, especially on weekends and public holidays. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours will help avoid the largest crowds and enhance your experience.

Is bargaining allowed at the Floating Markets?

Yes, bargaining is common, especially at Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa. It’s expected but always do so politely and with a smile!

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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